Renewing a 10-Year Green Card (Form I-90): When to File, Fees and Wait Times

Renewing a 10-year green card means filing Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). According to USCIS, you should file when your card has expired or will expire within the next 6 months. The fee under the G-1055 Fee Schedule (edition October 16, 2026) is $415 online and $465 on paper. After you file, the USCIS receipt notice together with your old card serves as proof of permanent residence for 36 months from the expiration date printed on the card.

An expired green card does not end your permanent resident status: the card is only proof of it. But an expired card makes working, flying and reentering the U.S. harder, so renewing on time matters.

Note: if you have a 2-year green card (a conditional card, usually through marriage), you do not renew it with Form I-90. You file Form I-751 to remove the conditions. See 2-Year to 10-Year Green Card: Removing Conditions with Form I-751.

When do I need to file Form I-90?

According to the USCIS Replace Your Green Card page (checked October 19, 2026), permanent residents need a new card when:

• The card has expired or will expire within the next 6 months (renewal).
• The card was lost, stolen, mutilated or destroyed (see Lost Your Green Card?).
• The card has incorrect information because of a USCIS error, or you have legally changed your name or other details.
• You have reached your 14th birthday and your card was issued before then (unless it expires before your 16th birthday).
• You never received the card USCIS mailed.

If you are abroad and your card is about to expire, USCIS says to file Form I-90 as soon as you return to the U.S. It is best not to let your card expire while you are out of the country. See also: How Long Can a Green Card Holder Stay Outside the U.S.?.

How much does it cost to renew a green card?

According to the USCIS G-1055 Fee Schedule (edition October 16, 2026, checked October 19, 2026):

How you file	Form I-90 fee
Online through a USCIS account	$415
On paper, by mail	$465

Biometrics are included in the fee. Some cases are free, such as a card with a USCIS error. Applicants with low income can check fee waiver eligibility with Form I-912 on the I-912 page. Fees can change, so check again on the day you file.

Should I file Form I-90 online or on paper?

According to the USCIS I-90 page (updated October 7, 2026):

• Online: create a USCIS account, fill out the form, upload documents and pay online. You can track the case, get notices and answer requests for evidence in the account. Filing online costs $50 less.
• On paper: use the 01/20/25 edition and mail it to the address on the I-90 page. USCIS creates an online account for you and mails instructions to access it.

Documents you usually need

According to the Form I-90 instructions, a renewal usually needs:

• A copy of your current green card (front and back).
• If your name changed: the legal document showing the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order).
• Your details: A-Number, address and travel information.

After you file, USCIS sends a biometrics appointment notice for an Application Support Center, if needed.

How long does green card renewal take?

Processing times vary. Check the current time on the USCIS Processing Times page (select Form I-90).

You still have proof of status while you wait: according to a USCIS announcement, since September 10, 2024 the Form I-90 receipt notice (Form I-797) together with your expired card proves permanent resident status for 36 months from the expiration date on the card. Use them together for work and travel. If you have no card (for example, it was lost), USCIS may issue an ADIT stamp (temporary proof of permanent residence) after you file Form I-90; you request an appointment at a USCIS office through the USCIS Contact Center.

Should I apply for citizenship instead?

If you have had your green card for 5 years (or 3 years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen), you may want to consider filing Form N-400 for citizenship instead of only renewing. Eligibility, fees and the process are in What Is Form N-400? and U.S. Citizenship Test 2026. Which path fits depends on your situation; if you have a criminal record or long trips abroad, talk to a licensed immigration attorney first.

When you prepare for the citizenship test, you can practice free with N400 Ready from Manna One Solution.

Need someone to prepare your Form I-90?

You can file Form I-90 yourself. If you would like someone to prepare the paperwork, Manna One Solution's immigration document preparation service works online with clients across the U.S., in English or Vietnamese. Manna One Solution is not a law firm and does not give legal advice; some states require non-attorney immigration document preparers to register with the state, so we confirm the state you live in before taking your case.

Sources

• USCIS — I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (updated October 7, 2026; checked October 19, 2026)
• USCIS — Replace Your Green Card (checked October 19, 2026)
• USCIS — G-1055 Fee Schedule (edition 10/16/26) (checked October 19, 2026)
• USCIS — Green Card validity extension to 36 months for renewals (checked October 19, 2026)
• USCIS — Processing Times (checked October 19, 2026)